OptaJoe‘s on fire tonight. Here’s three stats from Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Malmo which will restore your crumbling faith in the squad.
Sarri better than Pep?
28- Maurizio Sarri has won 28 of his first 43 games in charge of Chelsea in all competitions (D6 L9), one more than Pep Guardiola managed in his first 43 with Manchester City (W27 D9 L7). Impressive. pic.twitter.com/bkvg1cKQvA
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 21, 2019
The media will tell you that Sarri is on the verge of being sacked at Stamford Bridge, which may well be the case, but the stats say that he’s doing a great job. In fact, he’s managing to outperform Guardiola in his debut season at Manchester City!
We’re a long way off becoming arguably the greatest side in Premier League history, but if nothing else it serves as proof that implementing this style of play takes time and patience. Whether Roman Abramovich will have any in Sarri remains to be seen.
Hudson-Odoi thriving
6 – Callum Hudson-Odoi has been directly involved in six goals in his last six starts for Chelsea in all competitions (3 goals, 3 assists). Star. #CHEMAL #UEL pic.twitter.com/YB7FR3jDbD
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 21, 2019
Sarri’s treatment of Callum Hudson-Odoi has been questionable at times. He gave him game-time during the January transfer window, perhaps in hope of convincing him to stay, but has continually chosen to overlook him since.
Hudson-Odoi was given the chance to start tonight – and boy did he deliver. He cut in from the right-hand-side and beat the keeper with a great finish. He’s playing with confidence, even still. Sarri deserves credit for that.
Nanananaaaaa Girouuuud
6 – Olivier Giroud has scored in each of his last five appearances in this season’s Europa League, netting six goals in total. Streak. #CHEMAL #UEL pic.twitter.com/Bw5x1nghPn
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 21, 2019
Sarri quite clearly doesn’t want Olivier Giroud to be his starting striker, but his use of him in the Europa League has been masterful. The Frenchman is now just one goal behind the leading scorer in the competition. Can he win the Golden Boot?
We’ll have to wait and see…
